Koh Lao Leang Nong

Ko Lao Liang Nong is the smaller of two limestone islands — Nong (younger) and its neighbour Lao Liang Phi (elder) — standing side by side about 40 kilometres off the Trang coast within the Koh Lao Liang island group, inside Mu Ko Phetra National Park. For years these twin islands were one of Thailand’s best-known deep-water solo and sport-climbing destinations, with routes bolted straight up from the sea and a beachfront tent camp for climbers to stay overnight. That’s changed: the park now bans climbing outright, with rangers stationed on the island to enforce it, and the tent camp itself has closed. There’s no resort here anymore.

What’s left is still worth the boat trip. The channel between the two islands holds calm, clear water and a coral garden that draws snorkelers rather than climbers now — bring your own mask and fins, since nothing is rented on-site. Small sandy coves tucked between the limestone outcrops give you somewhere to land and swim, and the cliffs themselves are still dramatic to look at even if you can’t scale them; sheer grey rock rising straight out of turquoise water, streaked white where the tide line sits.

Watch out: Don’t plan on climbing here despite what older blog posts and guidebooks say — Mu Ko Phetra National Park enforces the ban actively, and rangers will stop you. Check current status with your boat operator before booking a climbing-focused trip.

Getting here is by longtail boat from Pak Meng Beach, a roughly 45-minute crossing that depends heavily on sea conditions — most operators only run November through April, when the Andaman is calmer and visibility is best. Since there’s no accommodation left on the island, this is strictly a day trip: pack your own water, food, reef-safe sunscreen, and snorkel gear, and plan to be back on the boat before the afternoon chop picks up.